As at the end of March 2026, 94 percent of cancer
patients in Waikato started treatment within 31 days of a
decision to treat, thanks to a series of initiatives to
improve access and streamline care across the

This is a significant increase from 77
percent in January 2025.

Gabby Reynolds, Health NZ’s
Waikato Operations Director for Cancer, Chronic Conditions
and Radiology, says the service treats around 135 people
each month, and delays beyond the 31-day target have now
become uncommon. When delays do occur, he says, they are
often because other health issues need to be resolved before
surgery can safely take place.

“We are delivering
treatment to patients in a timely manner – and that leads
to better outcomes,” says Gabby.

“Once people are
in the system, they have a dedicated nurse supporting them
throughout their journey. They also have access to surgeons,
medical oncology, radiation oncology, haematology, and both
pre- and post-treatment care.”

“The first step was
identifying where patients were experiencing delays and
better understanding the patient journey.

there, we have worked hard to ensure the district’s cancer
services work collaboratively to deliver wrap-around,
multi-disciplinary care to our cancer

Ongoing review is now embedded in
everyday practice, says Gabby. “Additional clinical and
non-clinical staff closely monitor patient progress at each
stage of care.

“Our multidisciplinary model also
helps identify patients who may benefit from outsourced
care, allowing better use of capacity across the health

Hospital capacity has been further
strengthened with the appointment of an additional breast
cancer surgeon in late 2024, dedicated to supporting
treatment delivery, along with a surgical department project
focused on improving theatre utilisation.

particularly important for cancer services, where some
rapidly progressing cancers require treatment within a short
timeframe, making flexibility and careful planning
essential,” says Gabby.

“The most important factor
has been a whole-of-team approach. Everyone is working
together with a shared commitment to delivering excellent
care for our

© Scoop Media

Original source: nz